– The Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators, 2-1, tonight at Madison Square Garden, in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series. The Blueshirts won the series, 3-2, to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

– New York improved to 202-219-8 overall in postseason action, including a 112-85-2 mark at home.

– The Rangers remain undefeated in Game 7s played at Madison Square Garden, having posted a record of 4-0 in those contests. New York improved to 4-5 all-time in the seventh game of playoff series.

– Seven of the Rangers’ nine Game 7s in franchise history were decided by one goal.

– The Blueshirts became only the second team since 2005-06 to win Games 6 and 7 of a playoff series after losing Games 4 and 5, following Philadelphia in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Teams in that situation are now 2-15 over the span.

– This is the second time the Rangers have come back from a 2-3 series deficit to advance in the playoffs, having also done so in the 1994 Conference Finals against New Jersey.

– Both Rangers goals were tallied by defensemen, from Marc Staal at 4:46 of the second and Dan Girardi at 9:04 of the second. It is the first time in franchise history the Rangers had multiple goals scored by defensemen in Game 7 of a playoff series. Prior to tonight’s game, only three Blueshirt defensemen have tallied a goal in a Game 7 – Muzz Patrick (1939 Series A-Semifinals at Boston); Allan Stanley (1950 Stanley Cup Finals at Detroit); and Brian Leetch (three times; 1992 Division Semifinals vs. New Jersey, 1994 Conference Finals vs. New Jersey and 1994 Stanley Cup Finals vs. Vancouver). *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau

– The Blueshirts’ win tonight is the first time since 1950 a team won a Game 7 without having a forward score a goal in the contest. *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau

– The Rangers were credited with 23 blocked shots, with six players registering two or more blocked shots in the contest.

Player Notes:

– Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves to earn first star honors, and improved to 19-23 overall in postseason action with a 10-10 mark at home.

– Dan Girardi notched the game-winning goal, was credited with three hits and tied for the game-high with three blocked shots in 25:49 of ice time. The goal was his first career playoff goal. Girardi finished the first round leading all skaters with 30 blocked shots, and tied for third among NHL defensemen in scoring with four points (one goal, three assists).

– Marc Staal tallied the game’s opening goal, tied for the game-high with three blocked shots, and led all skaters with 26:44 of ice time. The goal was his third career in postseason action.

– Ryan Callahan recorded the primary assist on Staal’s second period goal, led all skaters with five hits and logged a game-high among forwards, 24:25 of ice time. He finished the first round tied for second on the team in playoff scoring with four points (two goals, two assists), and led the team and tied for fourth in the NHL with 30 hits.

– Brandon Prust tallied an assist and was credited with four hits in 14:32 of ice time. The assist was his first point of the series, and his second career playoff assist/point.

– Derek Stepan registered an assist and three shots on goal in 21:38 of ice time. He has tallied four points (one goal, three assists) in the last two games.

– Brandon Dubinsky recorded the primary assist on Girardi’s game-winning goal and won 6-10 faceoffs (60%) in 11:06 of ice time. The assist was his first point of the series.

– John Tortorella on the series… “It was a hard series, against a very good team. I thought both teams went toe to toe in all areas of the game. Sometimes the first round is the hardest round. That’s all this is, one round. We found a way. We were fortunate. I’m very happy with the group, and they should be real proud of themselves, for about an hour. It comes up quickly. It starts quickly. We have some things to get ready and get to the next one.”

– Henrik Lundqvist on the energy in The Garden… “There was a little more edge to it and it was a great feeling being out there. You try not to think about the importance of the game and put too much pressure on yourself. I tried to just go out there and see it as Game 89 instead of Game 7. Especially for a goalie, I think it’s important to have a good approach to the game and not try to do too much or change your game because it’s a more important game.”

– Dan Girardi on playing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden… “We were talking about it in Ottawa, that if we could bring it back here, the fans would be behind us. The way we play all year got us ready for games like this. We came with a great effort there (Game 6), and another one tonight.”

– Ryan Callahan on the final minutes of the third period… “It’s playoff hockey at its finest. They are making a last surge, trying to play for their season. We stood in there and blocked some shots. Hank (Henrik Lundqvist) came up with some key saves. It’s how we have been playing all year, and we have to continue to do that.”

I dont even want to watch this game, I just want to relax and watch Missing, Person of Interest, and Awake, but Im leaving it on my cable box in case Tony wants to enjoy the possible exit of the Devils too!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think the Rangers had this game in the bag until Hagelin drew the tripping penalty. And they were hanging on for dear life as they have so many times this season. But, as it was in the vast majority of those cases in the regular season, they won the game.

If we win the Stanley Cup in June of this year, and we all get together to celebrate, Ill get you each 10 rounds on me. I dont give a flying hartnell how much money it costs. Winning is everything to me.

I am so freaking impressed by Chris Kreider. When I saw him play at the Beanpot in 2010, I was floored. I thought that his skating was so strong that he was going to have a major impact on the NY Rangers..

I know it is early, but this is a kid with no NHL experience performing at a high level in back to back ELIMINATION GAMES!